Fiji and Tonga engaged in an exhilarating 3-3 draw in the opening match of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championships held at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Fiji struck first when forward Uliana Vuniyayawa took advantage of a loose ball in midfield. Riding the momentum of their initial goal, Fiji quickly doubled their lead with a remarkable free-kick taken by Sisilia Tuvou Kuladina from 35 yards out, which soared into the net beyond the reach of the Tongan goalkeeper.
However, the second half saw Tonga put up a strong fight to stage a comeback. Filimoeatu assisted Kuria Malohofo’ou, who unleashed a powerful shot past Fiji’s goalkeeper Melania Keresoni, reducing the deficit. Tonga kept pressing, and Tyra Bagiante, a consistent threat throughout the match, brought the score level by skillfully finishing a crucial play.
Despite Fiji’s earlier confidence beginning to wane, the intensity of the match persisted. Fiji almost regained the lead when Teonila Levuiciva had a chance, but Tonga’s goalkeeper Temaleti Taufa’ao pulled off an essential save. The match seemed to favor Fiji when substitute Grace Lakavutu scored an inventive goal, igniting celebrations among the Fijian bench.
Nevertheless, Tonga was not finished yet. Malohifo’ou found the back of the net once more with a late equalizer, ending the match in a thrilling 3-3 draw.